The moment you bite into a fresh Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wrap, you’re met with an explosion of flavor. Imagine tender chicken infused with vibrant basil pesto, crisp lettuce cradling it all like a cozy taco blanket, and the aromatic scent wafting through your kitchen like a culinary hug. This dish has the power to make any weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet experience, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it.
Picture this: a sunny afternoon where friends gather around the table, laughter fills the air, and these wraps steal the show. It’s not just food; it’s a memory in the making. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fun get-together with friends, Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are your ticket to flavor town. Comfort Food Sloppy Joe Bowls So grab that apron and get ready for a culinary adventure that promises amazing flavors and heartwarming moments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The fresh flavors burst in your mouth while looking stunning on any plate
- You can enjoy them as an appetizer or main course, depending on your mood!
- Plus, they are customizable—add your favorite veggies or toppings for extra flair
I remember the first time I made these wraps; my friends were fighting over the last one like it was the last piece of pizza at a party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Around 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
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Fresh Basil Pesto: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds an extra touch of love and flavor.
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Butter Lettuce Leaves: Choose large leaves that can hold all that delicious filling without tearing.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for sweetness and color; they add a lovely pop of freshness.
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Cucumber: Thinly sliced for crunch; you can use English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
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Shredded Carrots: These add vibrant color and sweetness to balance out the savory chicken.
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Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for that salty kick—optional but highly recommended! Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons.
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Lemon Juice: A squeeze brightens everything up and enhances all those flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken breasts into strips about one inch thick. Season them generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor.
Sauté Until Golden Brown: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in batches until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Add the Pesto Magic: Once cooked through, remove from heat and stir in your vibrant basil pesto until each piece is generously coated. The colors will be mesmerizing!
Prep Your Veggies: While the chicken cools down slightly, chop up those cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shred carrots. The mix of colors will make you feel like Picasso in the kitchen!
Assemble Your Wraps: Take a butter lettuce leaf and layer in some pesto chicken followed by cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and halved cherry tomatoes—don’t be shy; pile it on!
Add Finishing Touches!: Crumble some feta cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy—and who wouldn’t want to? A squeeze of lemon juice ties everything together perfectly. Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
Enjoy each wrap immediately while still fresh! If you have leftovers (which I doubt), store them in an airtight container for lunch tomorrow.
Now that you’ve mastered these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with just how easy yet delicious they are! Enjoy every bite! For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not just healthy; they pack a flavorful punch
- The fresh, crunchy lettuce contrasts beautifully with the creamy pesto and tender chicken
- Plus, they make for a fun, hands-on meal that kids and adults alike will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, cook the chicken in a skillet until golden brown, then mix it with freshly made pesto. As you let the flavors meld, prepare your lettuce leaves for wrapping. This sequence ensures deliciously tender chicken wrapped in fresh crispness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for grilled tofu or shrimp for a fun twist. Experiment with different herbs or add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch. Customize your wraps to match your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, simply warm the chicken gently and serve with fresh lettuce leaves to maintain that crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, ensure your chicken is cooked evenly by cutting it into uniform pieces
- Use fresh basil for the pesto; it elevates the flavor immensely
- Remember, crisp lettuce leaves are key to a satisfying wrap experience!
Creating these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps reminds me of summer picnics with my family where everyone would assemble their wraps at the table, laughing and sharing stories over tasty bites.
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
You can use grilled tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
How do I make homemade pesto?
Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create homemade pesto. Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Can I prep these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead but add lettuce just before serving for freshness.

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience a burst of fresh flavors with these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, where tender chicken meets vibrant basil pesto, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will delight your taste buds. Quick to prepare and customizable, these wraps are a delicious way to create memorable moments around the table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
- 12 large butter lettuce leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into one-inch strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in basil pesto until chicken is well-coated.
- Prepare veggies: chop cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber, and shred carrots.
- Assemble each wrap by layering pesto chicken, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and halved tomatoes in a butter lettuce leaf.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese (if desired) and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wraps
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg